Glass (E) - Encylopedia Of Antiques

ENGLISH GLASS: The glass-making industry in England dates from the beginning of the 17th century, although some glass was made in England before that time. This old glass, of which very few examples remain, is generally of a light green tinge. The 18th century saw great development in all branches of the glass industry by the use of coal and the covered crucible and the use of lead as a base, and in the beauty and character of the glass for domestic use. The making of flint glass was perfected, the art of glass cutting reached its greatest beauty, and the fame of English glass was spread throughout the world on the ground of the excellence of the material. Besides glass in great variety, both white and colored, for domestic purposes, and drinking glasses (q.v.) of all descriptions, large quantities were made to be sent to America. The period between 1780 and 1810 is said to have been the most important in English glass-making.

ENGRAVED GLASS: See GLASS, Engraved.

ESSEX GLASS WORKS: Organized about 1787 by Robert Hewes and Charles F. Kupfer, a German, and a factory was erected on Essex Street in Boston. The enterprise was successful and large quantities of window glass were produced. In 1809 the name of the company was changed to Boston Glass Manufactory, and in 1811 the company moved to South Boston, where a larger factory had been erected. Here, they met with various difficulties and were finally compelled to suspend. The works were later used by the American Flint Glass Works (q.v.).